Liberty is the path to lasting peace and the unalienable right of
every man, woman, and child. During Captive Nations Week, we underscore
our commitment to protecting human rights, advancing democracy and
freedom, and ending tyranny across the globe.

Expanding freedom is a moral imperative, and today more people are
free than ever before. Freedom is reaching around the world, and
America is working side-by-side with new democracies in Liberia,
Mauritania, Ukraine, Georgia, and Kyrgyzstan. The people of Kuwait held
elections in which women were able to vote and run for office for the
first time, and the elected parliament is exercising real influence with
the government. We continue to stand firmly behind the citizens of
Lebanon, Afghanistan, and Iraq as they defend their democratic gains
against extremist enemies. Many are making great sacrifices for
liberty, and they deserve our steadfast support.

While there is progress in freedom's advance, nations such as
Belarus, Burma, Cuba, North Korea, Syria, Iran, Sudan, and Zimbabwe
still oppress their citizens. My Administration recently created the
Human Rights Defenders Fund to provide grants for the legal defense and
medical expenses of democratic dissidents arrested or beaten by
repressive governments. In addition, we have nearly doubled funding for
democracy projects throughout the world. The American people believe
that the flame for freedom burns in every human heart, and that light
cannot be extinguished by governments, terrorists, or tyrants. During
Captive Nations Week, we remember that human freedom is the key to
achieving respect for all human rights.

The Congress, by Joint Resolution approved July 17, 1959 (73 Stat.
212), has authorized and requested the President to issue a proclamation
designating the third week in July of each year as "Captive Nations
Week."

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States
of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution
and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim July 15 through 21,
2007, as Captive Nations Week. I call upon the people of the United
States to reaffirm our commitment to all those seeking liberty, justice,
and self-determination.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
tenth day of July, in the year of our Lord two thousand seven, and of
the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
thirty-second.